Dustin Hoffman, director of the film "Quartet," poses for a portrait at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival. Photo: CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/AP

WASHINGTON — Dustin Hoffman and David Letterman will soon find themselves in company they never expected in the nation’s capital.

The actor and comedian are among seven people receiving the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, according to an announcement Wednesday. They join Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy, rock band Led Zeppelin and ballerina Natalia Makarova.

The nation’s highest honor for those who have influenced American culture through the arts comes with a nod from President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The honorees will be saluted by fellow performers Dec. 2.

The 75-year-old Hoffman says it seems harder to win the Kennedy Center Honors than the Oscars or Golden Globes. He says he’s honored and flattered to be included.

Letterman says there must have been a “mix-up.” But he says he’s grateful.